Spiritual health care is being promoted this week in the province. Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen has signed a proclamation, declaring this, Spiritual Health Care Week.

Goertzen says they want to recognize and celebrate all those who are involved with providing spiritual care within the health care system. He notes there are many groups, organizations and 

(Kathy McPhail, CEO for Southern Health-Sante Sud speaks at proclamation signing)individuals who, on a multi-faith basis, provide care, support, counseling and comfort for those going through a health journey. Goertzen says the health care system is far more than providing physical health, there is the spiritual health element as well.

As part of Spiritual Health Care Week, Goertzen says they want to recognize the role of chaplains. He says Steinbach and area are fortunate to have great chaplains, who are there in very difficult times for families. Goertzen says when an individual doesn't know whom to turn to or isn't able to speak to a family member, chaplains are there.

"They are there to provide you comfort and to provide you support and to walk with you in a very, very difficult journey," he says.

Meanwhile, Goertzen says Manitoba is fortunate to have various religious organizations, multi-faith organizations and spiritual organizations that are involved within the health care system. He says they not only provide support but do a lot of things that financially government can not do.

"If they weren't involved in that care and weren't involved in that support, government wouldn't be able to backfill and to pay all of that," he says.

The signing of the proclamation took place in Steinbach.

"There is a rich history of course of spiritual care in the southeastern part of Manitoba," says Goertzen. "But I think that's true in every part of Manitoba and so I'm pleased as the Minister of Health obviously representing this region to be able to do this here in our part of the province."